Consuming Saffron in Pregnancy Guide: Safety I Quantity I Dosage I Time
Pregnancy is a transformative time for any woman. It is a period when everything in your life seems beautiful and full of positivity. Every woman wants to be the best mom and strives to do her best to deliver a healthy baby.
However, for your baby to have proper growth and development, you must take care of your health first. One of the most important things that will keep you healthy and safe during this journey is your diet.
And we don’t just mean the usually prescribed diets. While that is essential, there are several other dietary inclusions that will make your pregnancy a much more comfortable time. One such incredibly beneficial thing is saffron, also known as the ‘King of Spices’.
So, let’s get to understand this wonderful spice better and how to include it in your diet and make the most of its benefits.
What are the benefits of consuming saffron in Pregnancy?
According to studies, saffron has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. These benefits become even more essential when your body is in special need of them, such as during pregnancy.
Let’s take a look at Kashmir saffron benefits:
Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Journal of the American Heart Association says that pregnant women experience changes in their heart rate and blood pressure, which may lead to complications.
This National Library of Medicine study says that a regular dosage of saffron leads to a reduction in the blood pressure and prevents hypertension, necessary for preventing cardiac disorders in the long run.
Stabilises Mood
Mood swings are pretty common during pregnancy. One of the major contributors is changes in hormonal levels, pregnancy-related fatigue, and other physical changes that your body goes through. When left untreated, these may lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Interestingly, there are amazing benefits of saffron for depression and has a direct impact on your moods. A Frontiers in Nutrition trial says that saffron has a great impact on moods and stress levels. It does not just make you feel happier and lighter, consuming saffron regularly also regulates your heart rate.
Better Digestion
Pregnancy may bring in several digestive problems. These may include heartburn, indigestion, belching, constipation, haemorrhoids, and the likes. This is mainly caused due to changes in hormones like progesterone and estrogen and their inability to allow the muscles of the digestive system to relax.
One of the most important Kashmiri saffron benefits is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have the potential to treat digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and inflammation.
Reduces The Risk of Cardiac Diseases
Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s cardiac and circulatory systems undergo a huge change. There are changes in the blood volume that put additional strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart problems. These may increase manifolds if you are above 30 years and have pre-existing heart diseases.
This National Library of Medicine study says that saffron is rich in flavonoids, riboflavin, and crocetin that have a great impact on the user’s cardiac health. Saffron reduces cholesterol and ultimately the risk of a heart attack.
Prevents Insomnia
Many women experience irregular sleep patterns during pregnancy. Physical discomfort due to bodily changes, nausea, anxiety, and changes in hormonal levels contribute to erratic sleeping patterns and even insomnia.
According to the Nutrients Journal, a trial thin which people’s diet was supplemented with saffron showed positive results in terms of their sleep quality. The people participating in the diet reported an increase in the ease of getting to sleep, better quality of sleep, and a reduction in daytime fatigue and drowsiness.
Helps Get Rid of Cramps
During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes. One of these is a constant change in the size and shape of the uterus to accommodate the growing baby. While this is a natural phenomenon, cramps cause quite a bit of discomfort and pain.
A National Library of Medicine journal demonstrates the proven impact of saffron on neuropathic pain and an improvement in a person’s response to pain. Saffron cures cramps and pains while reducing your dependence on chemical-based medicines and preventing their side effects on you and the baby.
Cures Hair Loss
A Skin Appendage Disorders study says that pregnancy causes women to suffer from hair loss. The major reasons for this are stress, an increase in androgen and estrogen hormones, and hypothyroidism.
Saffron has antioxidant properties that help in promoting healthy hair growth. It also improves your circulation, which helps in preventing breakage, repair of damaged hair, and delaying signs of premature aging such as graying.
Is saffron safe to consume during Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time when you have to be doubly careful about anything that you consume. That brings us to the question of whether saffron is safe to consume during pregnancy.
The short answer is yes. Saffron is a natural ingredient that has great benefits when taken in moderation. It does not have side effects or cause chemical imbalances like medications.
Avoid consuming large quantities of saffron. For instance, more than 10 grams of saffron is considered to be a high dosage. Also, make sure that you never include it in your diet without consulting your gynaecologist.
What is the best way to consume saffron during Pregnancy?
Here are some of the best, and the most delicious ways, to include saffron in your diet:
Saffron Milk
Saffron milk makes for a delicious and healthy cuppa. Just add a few strands of saffron to a glass of warm milk for a refreshing drink.
Use it in desserts
Who said saffron has to be boring! A delicious way to include it in your diet is to add it to your bowl of pudding, vermicelli, lassi, etc. You can also add it to your rice or curries.
Add it to water
If you aren’t too fond of sweets, saffron can also be added to a regular glass of water and consumed.
When should you start taking saffron?
Although saffron is a safe ingredient, it is advised to start consuming it after the fifth month. This is usually when you experience the movements of your baby in the womb and the pregnancy is stable.
Are there any side effects of saffron?
The side effects of saffron have been rarely reported. Still, it’s good to know some of the adverse impacts that it may cause:
- Increased uterine contractions leading to miscarriage
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety, hypersensitivity, and headaches
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Diarrhoea or haemorrhaging
- Skin allergies or hives
How to gain the most from saffron during your Pregnancy?
Owing to the popularity and value of saffron, it is often sold in adulterated forms that may harm you in the long run.
Here are some things to remember before investing in saffron:
- Know your saffron. There are different varieties such as Zarda saffron and Mongra saffron, all with their unique properties.
- Since you need to be extra careful about contaminations during pregnancy, it is important to buy packaged saffron.
- Research about the seller. They should be credible and in the market for long. If you are buying saffron on Amazon, don’t miss reading the reviews.
- Check genuine saffron before you buy it. There are fairly simple saffron tests that you can do. These include using things such as cold water and baking soda to check for their purity.
The Bottom Line
Saffron is a simple and effective way to make your pregnancy healthy and prevent problems in the long run. You can be innovative in the way you use it and create foods and drinks to your liking. Just ensure that you use it in moderation and allow your gynaecologist to set its dosage for you.
